Paper Source — Local services in Philadelphia

Paper source is my go to for gifts, the space has a lot to offer and always looks lovely- I’ve been shopping here for 7 years. Today I was disappointed in my experience however. I was browsing calendars and fell in love with one, I was interested in buying the last two but continued to look around in the immediate area. A few moments later I heard a supervisor mention to their employee that multiple sets of calendars could not be sold. She advised the employee to rip up the calendars and thrown them all in the trash. I went over a few moments later to try and purchase the calendars that I saw earlier, as they were still on display, but regretfully staff refused purchase. I understand it’s completely their right to destroy and throw out product as they see fit- it’s very common practice in retail stores. I am just a bit surprised that Paper Source would still rather trash their products then sell them to someone in store, willing to buy them and make a sale. It made me wonder about how much else they could be potentially just throwing away rather than selling through or even simply donating. I’d love to see a Green Initiative from Paper Source- maybe a discount bin of products or a program where you donate your unsold goods rather than intentionally trashing them. I would shop here even more if I knew Paper Source had an initiative to reduce...

Paper Source — A Crafty Little Gem in the Heart of Philly

Tucked away in Center City, Paper Source is a delightful and inspiring space that invites you to dive into your creative side. It’s a small store, but it’s packed with everything you need to kickstart a craft project—from stationery and art supplies to DIY kits and charming craft books.

The atmosphere is bright, clean, and exceptionally well-organized, making it easy to explore and get inspired. It’s a perfect spot for families, hobbyists, or anyone looking for a hands-on, fun experience.

What truly sets this place apart is the staff. Everyone I’ve interacted with has been personable, engaged, and genuinely interested in what I was working on. Conversations never felt rushed or transactional—just real people passionate about creativity and connection.

Whether you’re picking up a new journaling habit, hunting for the perfect gift, or just browsing for inspiration, Paper Source is a joyful and welcoming place to start...

Paper Source is generally one of my favorite stores. This Philadelphia Walnut Street location has a long narrow layout that can get a bit claustrophobic at the back of the store but it gets the job done with its multitude of stationary and small gift items. The wrapping paper, cards, stationary, and small gifts are usually well designed and current, albeit pricy. Teacher gifts, bridal and baby shower items, crafting supplies, and lovely boxes to make your gift presentation shine. I did get a few things this trip that turned out to be duds, specifically the butterfly that is supposed to fly out of a card (it doesn’t) and the cookie dough bar which was inedible. It tasted and smelled like plastic so we threw it away after one tiny bite. If you are driving, be aware that Walnut Street is all metered parking and it can be very difficult to find a spot. Also, pay your meter! Philadelphia is no joke when it comes to issuing...